Epaper_23-03-14 KHI

Maryam Nawaz stresses youth’s participationin decision making process

IMRan to bE ‘aRREstEd soon’ as couRts Put out aRREst waRRants

g Imran Khan likely to be arrested in Toshakhana, judge threats cases

ISLAMABAD

Staff RepoRt

tWOdistrict and sessions judges in Islamabad issued separate arrest warrants on Monday for Imran Khan, the chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI), in the foreign gifts, or Toshakhana, case and on suspicion of hurting the dignity of the judiciary and Khan is likely to be arrested in next 24 to 72 hours.

The Islamabad police will visit Zaman Park in the next 24 hours to arrest Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan, sources said Monday, after his non-bailable arrest warrants were issued in a case of threatening a female judge belonging to a court in the federal capital.

Desperate to put him behind bars, a police party from Islamabad earlier in

g Capital Police lands in Lahore to arrest PTI chief

the day flew by helicopter to Lahore to arrest the PTI chairman — who was ousted as the prime minister last year in April.

The sources told media that several decisions were taken during a meeting between Islamabad and Lahore’s police officials — as the law enforcers came to the city for the second time to arrest Khan.

The meeting’s participants decided that the Islamabad police would be completely supported and it will be ensured that the capital’s cops reach Khan’s Zaman Park residence with no hindrances, the sources said.

“Before Islamabad police leave for Zaman Park, they will contact Khan’s chief security officer,” the sources added.

Khan was booked in a case for threatening judicial magistrate Zeba

Chaudhry and police officers at a rally in F-9 Park on August 20, to “terrorise” police officials and the judiciary.

The main aim was to prevent the police officers and judiciary from carry-

ing out their legal obligations, stated the FIR. The FIR was registered on the complaint of Magistrate Ali Javed at Islamabad’s Margalla Police Station under Section 7 of ATA.

PTI announces power show at Minar-i-Pakistan on Sunday

g Imran Khan takes out twice-delayed peaceful rally finally

LAHORE

Staff RepoRt

PTI Chairman Imran Khan on Monday announced a historic power show at Minar-i-Pakistan on Sunday, March 19, as the party’s twice-delayed election rally was finally taken out peacefully.

The rally was originally scheduled for Saturday and then Sunday but was postponed after the party failed to get relief either from the Election Commission or the Lahore High Court against the caretaker Punjab government’s order of imposing Section 144 in the provincial capital.

Police was seen arresting PTI activists despite the fact that the district administration had given permission for the rally. The interim Punjab government had imposed Section 144 citing a Pakistan Super League match in the Qaddafi Stadium and a marathon race in the city. However, in a notification on Sunday, the administration had allowed the PTI to take out the public rally on Monday (today) but mentioned that it would carry “highsecurity risk due to the general and specific threats against political gatherings and previous instance of attack on the ex-prime minister”.

The permission was given after an undertak-

PM approves to set price of cotton at Rs8500 per 40kg for this year

ISLAMABAD

Staff RepoRt

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has accorded inprinciple approval to set the price of cotton at 8500 rupees per 40 kilogram for this year. The approval was granted during a review meeting of the Agricultural Task Force that was held in Lahore on Monday with Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif in the chair. During the meeting, a detailed discussion was held on increasing the production of cotton and setting its support price. The meeting was informed that last year there was a substantial reduction in cotton production due to floods, rains, shortage of canal water and fertilizer crisis. The total production of cotton this year is estimated at 12.77 million bales, while not only the area under cotton cultivation but also the yield per acre is expected to increase significantly. The per acre coast of cotton and its comparison with other crops was also presented to the meeting. The Prime Minister directed to submit the support price of cotton to the Economic Coordination Committee for approval at the earliest. He said the provincial governments should ensure the provision of fixed price of cotton to the farmers. He also directed the federal government to provide all possible assistance to the provincial governments to implement the fixed support price. The Prime Minister said the government is taking steps on priority basis to increase the per acre production of cotton. For this purpose, he directed the Ministry of National Food Security to speedily complete its work in formulating proposals to increase the per acre yield of cotton.

g Arrests continued during the rally despite admin’s permission

ing by the organiser to the “effect that in case of any untoward incident he shall be held responsible”. The notification had also barred speeches against the constitutional offices, including the military and judiciary. The election rally kicked off from Zaman Park today with Imran leading it in a bulletproof vehicle.

Reaching Data Darbar, Imran addressed the rally from inside his vehicle, thanked PTI workers and supporters for their participation and announced Sunday’s Minar-i-Pakistan power show set for 2pm.

“This rally will be in the day and it will be my sixth in Minar-i-Pakistan in the last 12 years,” he added.

Imran said he would address the rally and explain how to take the country out of its current issues. He called on the people of Lahore to start preparing for the power show.

“It is clear from today’s rally why this imported government did not allow our [previous] rally,” he said, referring to the PTI’s March 8 plans.

Imran also paid tribute to PTI worker Ali Bilal, also known as Zille Shah, who lost his life on March 8 as the caretaker Punjab government used force to block a rally called to launch the party’s campaign for the April 30 elections in the province.

“I’m sending a message on my nation’s behalf to those people [behind his death] that I and the nation will never forget this or forgive you. Until those police officials and those who tortured him are not brought to justice, [we will not rest] and will get them sentenced”.

The PTI chief said he was not striving for his personal sake but for the people. He alleged that the “big criminals” in power were attempting to run away from the elections and registering cases against him and PTI officeholders to “somehow disqualify us from elections”.

He also addressed the recent public release of the Toshakhana gift records and said it was now made clear “who was actually looting the Toshakhana”. Videos shared by the PTI showed people thronging Imran’s vehicle and showering it with petals. The rally thereafter turned back for Imran’s Zaman Park residence.

Imran also paid tribute to PTI worker Ali Bilal, also known as Zille Shah, who lost his life on March 8 as the caretaker Punjab government used force to block a rally called to launch the party’s campaign for the April 30 elections in the province.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 03

BoK profits fall by more than 50% after attempted expansion

However, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) last year in September quashed the terror charges and directed to transfer of the case to a relevant court under the remaining sections in the FIR. The Toshakhana case was initiated on a complaint filed by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), which accused Khan of concealing details of gifts from the Toshakhana he retained after payment while in office.

During the proceedings, Khan’s lawyer, Khawaja Harris, argued his client could not appear in court due to security threats, and had filed petitions in the Islamabad High Court (IHC) and Lahore High Court (LHC) for the appearance of his client via video link. He also submitted another plea asking the court to declare the petition filed by the ECP seeking criminal proceedings against the former prime minister inadmissible, questioning the competence of the authority that filed the complaint.

MQM founder loses £10m properties case to MQM-P in London

LONDON

Staff RepoRt

hindered its profitability for the year

g Bank’s expansion plan coupled with troubled economy

PESHAWAR: aziz

BuneRi

The Bank of Khyber (BOK) continued to suffer one more in a string of bad financial years with profits falling by more than 50%. Net income declined by 59% year-on-year from Rs. 1,104 million in 2021 to Rs. 455 million in 2022. Profit margin for the year declined from a double digit of 14% in 2021 to a single digit of 5% in 2022.

The hit on profitability was mainly due to the bank’s expansion plans. Since 2019, the bank has been opening new branches to reach more customers. The number of branches has increased by 7% year-on year from 216 in 2021 to 231 in 2022 and by 38% as compared to 2019 from 168 branches in 2019 to 231 branches in 2022. Consequently, operating costs have increased by a whopping 26% on a yearly basis from Rs 5,295 million in 2021 to Rs 6,650 million in 2022.

Moreover, profitability during the year has been impacted by a significant increase in the interest rate on the bank’s fixed rate investment portfolio which resulted in the bank paying more money to its investors.

DeTaIlS of The fInancIalS : The bank’s net income jumped up by 9% from Rs 7,812 million in 2021 to Rs 8,533 million in 2022. The increase was because of a surge in profits in foreign currency and income through bank charges. Income from foreign exchange increased by

38% from Rs 478 million in 2021 to Rs 660 million in 2022. However, the volatile stock market owing to the country’s deteriorating economic conditions decreased profits from investments in the stock market resulting in reduced income for the bank. The annual report shows that dividend income declined by a massive 192% (Rs 25 million) in 2022 from Rs 38 million in 2021 to only Rs 13 million in 2022.

Despite a 9% increase in total income, the profitability of the bank took an adverse turn by declining by 59%. Profit before taxation declined by 45% from Rs 1,680 million in 2021 to Rs 920 million in 2022. According to the BOK’s annual report, earnings per share (EPS) also declined by 60% from Rs 1 in 2021 to Rs 0.41 in 2022. Furthermore, the bank’s profit was also affected by providing more loans than its limit allowed by the provincial finance department, resulting in the loss of some institutions. Nonperforming loans increased by 12% from Rs 10,521 million in 2021 to Rs 11,756 million in 2022, an increase of Rs 1,235 million. Looking forward, the bank has been investing in building its capacity to grow its business which should enable a sustainable increase in profitability in the coming year. It is also looking to diversify its financing portfolio by gradually moving from government backed lending to the private sector for fresh loans with potential of ancillary business and trade finance opportunities.

Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) founder has lost a case of six properties in London, worth £10 million, to MQM-Pakistan (MQM-P) after a legal battle at the United Kingdom (UK) High Court. According to details, a London high court heard a case regarding the ownership of six properties, including the MQM secretariat, in London. Federal Minister Syed Aminul Haque represented the MQM-P in the UK court. During the hearing Judge Clive Jones ruled that MQM founder had resigned from the party after his August 2016 speech. “In this regard, MQM-P is the true beneficiaries of the trusts that control London’s properties,” he added. The judge noted that MQM-P is the real MQM and its members are the actual owners of London properties, which are currently under the control of Altaf Hussain. Federal Minister Aminul Haque filed the case. Party leader Nadeem Nusrat appeared in the London court to record his statement while Farooq Sattar recorded his words via video link. The trial of the second part of the case will also begin, wherein the income from the properties will be heard. It is pertinent to mention here that MQM Founder was facing proceedings before the UK high court after MQM Pakistan petitioned to get control of seven London properties worth over £10 million belonging to the political party.

Punjab Elections: Filling of nominations papers underway

LAHORE Staff RepoRt

The process of filing nomination papers for election of Punjab Assembly is underway and the candidates can file their nomination papers with Returning Officers till Tuesday. The names of nominated candidates will be published on Wednesday while scrutiny of nomination papers will continue till 22nd of this month. Candidates may withdraw their papers on 5th of next month while final list of candidates will be published on the same day. Election symbols will be allotted to contesting candidates on 6th of next month while polling will be held on 30th.

NA body for 150 pc executive AllowANce to thousANds of federAl eNgiNeers

ISLAMABAD Ghulam abbas

whilethe country is facing historic financial crunch, the federal government has approved 150 per cent executive Allowance for hundreds of BS 17-22 employees working in the Federal Secretariat and administration of islamabad Capital Territory.

To add fuel to the fire, the National Standing Committee on Government Assurances on Monday recommended similar allowances to thousands of engineers serving various departments of the federal

government – despite the fact that prime minister has announced austerity measures for the federal and provincial governments.

During a meeting of the National Standing Committee on Government Assurances, which was chaired by MNA

Muhammad Afzal Khokhar, the committee recommended giving the 150 percent allowances to over 3550 engineers.

The engineers seeking the allowance included around 1400 of the federal government and 2150 engineers of the air force and navy. According to an official, the number of engineers may go up to 6000 if all the engineers of army and civilians under central government are included.

fiA summons fawad chaudhry over Maryam tweet

ISLAMABAD staff RepoRt

The Federal investigation Agency (FiA) has summoned Pakistan Tehreek-e-insaf (PTi) stalwart Fawad Chaudhry on March 17 for his tweet accusing PMl-N Senior Vice President Maryam Nawaz of giving a watch from Toshakhana to a citizen, says in media reports. Following that tweet, Maryam Nawaz had announced to file a complaint in FiA cybercrime wing. Fawad Chaudhry was summoned on the complaint of the citizen Raja haroon.

ecp urged to appoint dros, ros from judiciary

LAHoRe staff RepoRt

Pakistan Tehreek-e-insaf (PTi) has urged the election Commission of Pakistan (eCP) to appoint district returning officers (DROs) and returning officers (ROs) from the lower judiciary for the Punjab elections. Shah Mahmood Qureshi in a letter requested the eCP to appoint DROs and ROs from the lower judiciary under Sections 50 and 51 of the election Act 2017. The letter has been given reference of article 2018 of Pakistan in the letter sent to the eCP. The letter further states that the appointment of DROs and ROs from the judiciary is important for impartial elections. earlier, sources said that for Punjab by-polls after the dissolution of the assembly, the election Commission of Pakistan (eCP) has decided to appoint returning officers (ROs) and deputy returning officers (DROs) from the judiciary. Sources said that the eCP decided to appoint ROs and DROs from the judiciary. The eCP requested the Supreme Court (SC) for the ordering the subordinate courts to provide the workforce for Punjab by-polls.

pakistan braces for intense heatwave during summer season

ISLAMABAD staff RepoRt

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a warning that the country is expected to experience higher-than-usual temperatures during the upcoming summer season, with an intense heat wave predicted for Marchto May. According to the Met Office, the heat’s intensity is expected to be more than normal due to less-than-normal rainfall. The PMD reported a 77 percent decrease in rainfall in February, resulting in an average day and night temperatures of 3 to 5 degrees Celsius higher than normal. As a result, temperatures are predicted to be higher than usual not only for March but also for April and May. Previously, the average temperature during March was recorded as up to 26C, with a slight increase observed last year. however, this year’s temperatures are expected to be even higher, with the PMD forecasting an intense heat wave in the coming months. The PMD has advised people to take necessary precautions to avoid heat-related illnesses and stay hydrated during the summer season. it has also urged the government to take necessary measures to mitigate the effects of the heat wave and minimize its impact on the population. As Pakistan braces itself for the upcoming summer season, it is crucial for authorities and citizens alike to remain vigilant and take necessary steps to protect themselves from the anticipated extreme temperatures.

During the meeting, while discussing the pending issue of executive (engineering) allowances to federal engineers, the officials from the Finance Division claimed that the move would burden the government budget. however the committee recommended the allowances keeping in view that the engineers in provinces and CDA were already getting similar allowances. it was briefed that the assurance to engineers was given by former MNA and Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Ali Muhammad during a previous meeting of the committee. it may be mentioned here that while the common Pakistanis are being burdened with new taxes and price hike of basic

commodities, the federal government was notifying various allowances to the officials. Following the approval of the Prime Minister, the Finance Division had issued OM No.10(02)R-3/2018-297 regarding grant of executive Allowance to BS 17-22 officers working in the Federal Secretariat and islamabad Capital Territory field Administration. in continuation of Finance Division’s July 19, 2022, it was directed to convey the approval of the Prime Minister for admissibility of executive Allowance to all BPS 17-22 officers, (excluding Private Secretaries), posted/working in the Federal Secretariat, as defined in the Rules of

Business 1973, as well as Prime Minister’s Office and President Secretariat w.e.f. January 01, 2023. Meanwhile the committee, while discussing the Payment of honorarium to the employees of PTV, PiD and iCT Police who actually worked during the Budget Session of 2022-23 in the precincts of the Assembly, shown its displeasure over nonpayment of honorarium to employees of PTV. The committee was informed that employees of PiD were given the announced honorarium however the process of disbursing the same to employees of PTV was pending since the funds have not been released by the Finance Division so far.

Imran’s paternity of Tyrian needs to be proven in court first: IHC judge

ISLAMABAD

staff RepoRt

islamabad high Court (ihC) Justice

Mohsin Akhtar Kayani on Monday observed that prior to invoking Article 62 of the Constitution against PTi chief imran Khan, his paternity of Tyrian White — his purported daughter — will have to be established in a civil court first.

The judge made the observation today when a three-judge bench comprising him, ihC Chief Justice (CJ) Aamer Farooq and Justice Arbab Muhammad Tahir heard a petition seeking imran’s disqualification for not mentioning his alleged daughter Tyrian Jade White in his nomination papers for the 2018 general elections.

last year, Sajid Mehmood had filed a petition in the ihC claiming that although imran made arrangements for White’s upkeep in the United Kingdom, he did not disclose it in nomination

papers and affidavits filed by him for contesting elections.

“i have said this before as well that whoever wants to prove imran Khan’s paternity should go to the civil court,” Justice Kayani said. “Once this has been proven, then Article 62 can be invoked,” he added.

Justice Kayani remarked that even if the girl had herself claimed that imran was her father, that statement “won’t be binding” on the PTi chairman.

The court raised a number of questions, directing the petitioner’s counsel to prepare his arguments till the next hearing.

At the hearing’s outset, Justice Farooq asked if the petitioner’s counsel had completed his arguments, to which Advocate hamid Ali Shah said he had not even begun.

“i will present my arguments on five points each,” he said. “i have just presented my arguments on one point

so far.”

CJ Farooq inquired if the election Commission of Pakistan had so far presented any findings on imran’s affidavit to the commission, to which Advocate Shah replied in the negative.

The chief justice told imran’s lawyer that the matter can be resolved within two minutes. “The petition will be disposed of even if you accept or deny it”.

“if you deny it, their petition will be disposed of right now,” he said, highlighting that someone else would bring the matter again to court in the next elections.

CJ Farooq urged imran’s lawyer to end the matter with a simple “yes or no”.

As the hearing continued, Justice Kayani remarked that “anyone can be the guardian of anyone”.

Meanwhile, the ihC chief justice asked the petitioner if any suit or any other documentation pertaining to the matter was submitted in any foreign court.

IHC upholds Zahir Jaffer’s death sentence

StAff RepoRt

The islamabad high Court (ihC) on Monday upheld the death sentence for Zahir Jaffer, the convicted murderer in the Noor Mukadam case.

ihC Chief Justice Aamer Farooq and Justice ijaz ishaq Khan announced the verdict which was previously reserved on December 21, 2022.

The high court also sentenced Jaffer to death in the rape case. The 10-year sentences of the other convicts, iftikhar and Jan Muhammad, were also upheld.

On July 20, 2021, Noor Mukadam was found brutally murdered in islamabad’s upscale F-7/4 sector Following the discovery of her body, Jaffer was arrested as the prime suspect in the case.

A sessions court in islamabad on February 24, 2022, handed down the death penalty to Zahir Jaffer for the murder of Noor Mukadam while his employees, watchman Muhammad iftikhar and gardener Muhammad Jan, were sentenced to 10 years in prison for abetting in the act.

however, Additional Sessions Judge Atta Rabbani acquitted his parents, Zakir Jaffer and ismat

Adamjee, as well as other suspects in the case including Therapy Works employees, from the charge of abetment. The judge issued a short order according to which Zahir was sentenced to death under Section 302(b) (premeditated murder) of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC). however, the death sentence awarded to the convict was subject to confirmation by the islamabad high Court (ihC).

Punjab govt announces Ramadan relief package

LAHoRe staff RepoRt

Caretaker Chief Minister Punjab Mohsin Naqvi chaired the 10th meeting of the provincial cabinet at his office, here on Monday.

During the meeting, the Punjab government announced Pakistan’s largest and unique Ramadan relief package, with the cooperation of the federal government. The cabinet has made a historic decision to provide free wheat flour to the public during the holy month of Ramadan.

Under the special Ramadan relief package, the cabinet approved a program to provide free wheat flour bags to families earning less than Rs.60,000. Families with identity cards will receive three bags of 10kg flour for free during the month of Ramadan.

Approximately 15.8 million families and 100 million individuals will benefit from the free wheat flour package. Almost 90 percent of the population in Punjab will benefit from the free wheat flour package, which will be available at specific grocery stores, trucking points, and utility stores. The distribution of the free wheat flour will begin on the 25th of Sha’ban and continue until the 25th of Ramadan.

The CM directed that the number of stores and trucking points should be increased across the province and further ordered the large stores be directed to set up special counters for this purpose.

The meeting was informed that the Punjab information Technology Board has prepared software for the distribution of free wheat flour bags and the families registered in the Benazir income Support Program will be able to get a special package of free flour, while unregistered families can get free flour by registering over the phone.

Commissioners, RPOs, deputy commissioners and DPOs will monitor this program in their respective districts. it was further directed to conduct an awareness campaign for the relief package.

“i, provincial ministers, chief secretary, iG police and administrative machinery will be present in the field for the success of this good work,” the CM said and stressed that everyone has to burn the midnight oil for the success of this program.

The food secretary briefed about the salient features of the package. Provincial ministers, chief secretary, iGP and secretaries attended the meeting while Provincial Minister Jamal Nasir participated through video link.

“have you challenged the documents they are presenting before the court?” he asked imran’s lawyer, who replied that he had no such information.

“This case is very simple. You have to convince the court regarding the parents,” Justice Kayani told Advocate Shah. “You say that he (imran) is the father but he doesn’t agree that he is the father”.

The ihC chief justice said it was “unfortunate” that someone’s private life matter came into the public.

The court said that if imran’s lawyer were to take a clear position in the case, the petition would be disposed of.

The petitioner’s counsel contended before the court that imran submitted the affidavit as White’s father. At this, Justice Kayani remarked that the document was “related to guardianship and not paternity”, adding that “you can be a guardian of anyone.”

imran, fawad’s arrest warrants suspended in ecp contempt case

RAWALpINDI

staff RepoRt

The lahore high Court (lhC) Rawalpindi bench on Monday suspended arrest warrants issued for PTi chairman imran Khan and Fawad Chaudhry. Advocate Faisal appeared before the court on behalf of imran Khan and Fawad Chaudhry, while Sajeel Swati represented the eCP in the case. The lhC Rawalpindi bench in its verdict suspended arrest warrants issued for former prime minister imran Khan and former information minister Fawad Chaudhry in eCP contempt case. The lhC in its verdict asked the eCP to determine the ambit of the eCP in the case. The electoral body has also been directed to continue its working as per law.

pti lawmaker from Karachi handed over to police on remand

KARACHI

staff RepoRt

A Pakistan Tehreek-i-insaf (PTi) lawmaker, who was “picked up” from his Karachi residence by unidentified plainclothesmen, was handed over to the police for a two-day physical remand by an antiterrorism court (ATC) Monday.

Arsalan Taj hussain, the party’s lawmaker from PS-102 (Karachi east-iV), and the general secretary in the city, is accused of involvement in clashes outside deputy commissioner Kemari’s office. The police requested a 10-day remand, but the court granted only two days. Speaking to reporters after his court appearance, hussain said that he is a worker of former prime minister imran Khan and will not abandon him at any cost. On Sunday, police conducted an overnight raid and arrested Taj from his residence. More than 12 hours after his arrest, Sindh Police revealed that Taj was arrested in connection with the attack on the building in Keamari. A police spokesperson claimed that hussain, along with some PTi activists, attacked the office, resulting in a case being registered under terrorism sections.

PTI seeks apology from PML-N for running smear campaign against Khan, his wife

ISLAMABAD staff RepoRt

Pakistan Tehreek-e-insaf (PTi) Senior Vice President Fawad Chaudhry sought apology from the PMl-N for leveling baseless allegations and running smear campaign against PTi Chairman imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi during the last eleven months,while demanding constitution of a judicial commission probe into Toshakhana gifts. he further demanded to unfurl details of foreign gifts retained by military generals and judges by putting an end to the idea of sacred cow.

PTi Senior Vice President, in a statement

on Monday, said that they had been attacking imran Khan and his wife with advertisements worth billions but releasing of Toshakhana record was yet another proof that of their corruption.

Fawad Chaudhry said that the

Toshakhana list showed as how the Nawaz Sharif family and the Zardari family robbed and looted the Toshakhana , adding that the record turned out they were themselves the guilty party.

“Out of these people, who retained Toshakhana gifts, it was only imran Khan, who followed the legal path to acquire the gifts,” Fawad maintained. he also claimed that the PTi Chairman and his wife had acquired the smallest number of gifts from the repository.

“The true misuse of the Toshakhana was how Nawaz Sharif and Zardari took out cars from there,” he said, adding that the price paid for the luxury vehicles was mere pennies

compared to their original worth in a sheer blatant violation of the rules. “They didn’t even leave a box of pineapples,” he added.

“i also believe that this list is still incomplete”, he said, adding: “The list starts from 2002 and we should at least see the list since 1988.” “Furthermore, the gifts received by generals and judges should also be included,” he said, demanding an end to “the idea of the sacred cow”.

he also requested the lhC to form an independent commission to probe into the Toshakhana record and verify whether the gifts were bought and kept legally and the required taxes were paid in this regard, adding that a probe should also be launched

against rulers whether they declared the gifts in their asset declaration or not.

Furthermore, Fawad demanded an apology from his political rivals, particularly the PMl-N for spreading propaganda against the PTi Chairman and his wife, adding that the smear campaign and false narrative of the PMl-N were exposed before the nation. PTi Senior Vice President thanked the lahore high Court’s (lhC) chief justice for ordering to declassify the Toshakhana records. he said that the lhC CJ gave a new path of transparency to the nation.

Meanwhile, Chaudhry also demanded to constitute a judicial commission probe into Toshakhana gifts.

deAdliNe for developMeNt leAder AwArds eNtry subMissioN exteNded

ISLAMABAD staff RepoRt

theMinistry of Planning

Development & Special initiatives has extended the deadline for submission of entries for the Development leadership Award (DlA) till March 16 to provide more opportunities to the applicants.

The decision was taken amid providing maximum opportunities to the

Navy wins ‘National rowing championship’

ISLAMABAD staff RepoRt

candidates. earlier, the deadline was February 25. however, it has been extended to March 16. The DlA initiative was taken by the Planning Ministry to mark the celebrations of 75 years of independence.

The key objective of these awards is to honour Pakistani citizens and overseas Pakistanis who have contributed significantly to the socioeconomic development of Pakistan. The DlA will be given to outstanding individuals in

recognition of high achievers, emerging leaders and overseas Pakistanis in specific fields which include teachers, researchers, public policy experts; business owners; investors; startups, social enterprises, philanthropists; social activists; journalists, and others.

Under the awards, three main categories were established which include high achiever (over 35 years of age), emerging leader (under 35 years), and recognizing accomplished overseas

Pakistanis.

A high-powered ‘DlA evaluation Board’ – comprised of intellectuals, practitioners, professionals, and policymakers – will evaluate the submissions and forward recommendations to the Prime Minister Office.

it may be noted that since the government came into power in April last year several initiatives have been taken for the development of the country, particularly for the youth and DlA is one

of the initiatives to recognise the contribution of people in respective fields.

Planning Minister Ahsan iqbal in his message reiterated that the government was committed to taking such initiatives by recognizing the services of citizens in different fields. Those citizens who have contributed to the country’s development must be rewarded, said the minister, while urging the citizens to register themselves for these awards.

Minister asks for new schemes for SMEs in KP

peSHAWAR aziz buneRi

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Caretaker

Minister for industries Adnan Jalil

Monday said that there is an urgent need to start new business schemes for Small and Medium enterprises (SMes) and directed the SMeDA to play an important role in this regard. During a meeting, the minister while appreciating the participation and interest of women in business

activities, urged Women’s Chamber to play its role in providing loans and creating awareness to boost their businesses. he said that he will try to resolve problems and difficulties of business community on a priority basis.

Managing Director of the Bank of Khyber (BoK) Muhammad Ali Gulfraz, Chief Commercial Officer of the KP economic Zones Company Adil Salahuddin, Deputy Managing Director KP Small industries

Development Board, Provincial Chief SMeDA Rashid Aman, Vice President of Women Chamber of Commerce and industries Anila Khalid and other officials participated in the meeting.

The caretaker minister was briefed on efforts for the promotion of SMes, micro financing, business registration, provision of business loans by the bank, effectiveness of Chamber of Commerce and awareness campaign and other issues in the province. There was a special discussion on loans for

youth and women. Chief executive BoK Gulfaraz briefed in detail regarding the provision of loans to youth and other facilities by Bank of Khyber. Appreciating the role of the BoK, Jalil said that the bank should open a facilitation center so that people do not face any difficulty in availing loans and other facilities. The minister also directed to convene a meeting of Women’s Chamber of Commerce next week.

Pakistan Navy lifts the Men’s title while Pakistan Army grabs women ‘s category crown of National Rowing Championship concluded here at Rawal lake islamabad organised by Pakistan Rowing Federation (PWF). Teams of Pakistan Army, Navy, Wapda, Police, heC, KBC and islamabad Rowing Association participated in the championships. A number of elite level and emerging athletes (men and women) showed the mastery of their respective skills during the championship. in men rowing events, Navy won 5 gold and 2 silver medals to win the championship while Army got the second position with 2 gold and 5 silver medals. in women rowing events, Army grabbed 7 gold medals to clinch the women’s title while Wapda won 7 silver medals, Navy grabbed 5bronze and heC grabbed 2 bronze medals respectively.

indian passenger plane lands in Karachi for medical emergency

ISLAMABAD staff RepoRt

A flight of india’s private airline indiGo made an emergency landing at the airport in Karachi on Monday, the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA) said. The PCAA said in a statement that the landing was carried out at the Jinnah international Airport after midnight due to a medical emergency when a 60-year-old Nigerian passenger on board had lost his breath and pulse. The pilot requested to turn the flight to Karachi for the treatment of the sick passenger, said the statement, adding that the flight was going from india’s Delhi to Qatar’s Doha. however, the sick passenger’s life was not saved, according to the statement. later after several hours, the flight went back to its actual destination, said the statement. A total of 163 passengers were on board the flight, according to the PCAA.

pti announces power show at Minar-ipakistan on sunday

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“i’m sending a message on my nation’s behalf to those people [behind his death] that i and the nation will never forget this or forgive you. Until those police officials and those who tortured him are not brought to justice, [we will not rest] and will get them sentenced”. The PTi chief said he was not striving for his personal sake but for the people. he alleged that the “big criminals” in power were attempting to run away from the elections and registering cases against him and PTi officeholders to “somehow disqualify us from elections”. he also addressed the recent public release of the Toshakhana gift records and said it was now made clear “who was actually looting the Toshakhana”. Videos shared by the PTi showed people thronging imran’s vehicle and showering it with petals. The rally thereafter turned back for imran’s Zaman Park residence.

Imran to be ‘arrested soon’ as courts put out arrest warrants

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last week, the ihC suspended the non-bailable arrest warrants issued against Khan by Additional Sessions Judge Zafar iqbal in the case related to the purchase and sale of gifts from the Toshakhana until March 13. in response to the warrant, the capital police reached Khan’s residence in Zaman Park to arrest him, but he reportedly “dodged” them. in a speech to party workers, Khan demanded a public hearing of the case and criticized the coalition government for its incompetence and mismanagement.

The Pakistan electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PeMRA) subsequently banned television channels from broadcasting his speeches and news conferences, accusing him of attacking state institutions and promoting hatred. however, the lhC later suspended the PeMRA notification. The court

has summoned Khan for indictment in the case.

JUDGE THREATENING CASE: in the second case, arrest warrants were issued for Khan on charges of hurting the dignity of the judiciary.

The charges are related to an emotional speech by the former prime minister in which he allegedly threatened police and a junior judge, Zeba Chaudhry, last year after one of his close aides, Shehbaz Gill, was tortured in custody and denied bail in a sedition case.

A conviction against Khan would mean disqualification from politics for life since under Pakistani law, no convicted person can run for office.

According to judge Rana Mujahid Rahim, Khan must be arrested by the police and presented before the court by March 29.

During the hearing, the opposition party filed a plea requesting an exemption from personal appearance for Khan. however, the judge warned that

non-bailable arrest warrants could be issued for the former prime minister if he did not appear before the court Monday.

Following a brief recess, Khan’s counsel, Naeem haider Panjutha, filed another petition seeking his client’s acquittal in the case. Panjotha argued that personal appearance was not mandatory for the acquittal plea.

After hearing arguments, the judge reserved judgment on the exemption plea and announced that it would be revealed later today. in the next hearing, the court will hear arguments regarding Khan’s petition seeking to be dismissed from the case.

it is the second time that Khan faces contempt charges. After elections in 1993, he was summoned but pardoned by the Supreme Court after describing the conduct of the judiciary as “shameful” and saying it did not ensure free and fair elections.

SHC serves notices on disqualification plea of PPP lawmaker over Jokhio murder

KARACHI staff RepoRt

The Sindh high Court (ShC) has issued notices to parties on a petition filed by Barrister Ali Tahir seeking the disqualification of Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) MPA Jam Awais Bijar Khan, who was indicted in the Nazim Jokhio murder case.

The court has summoned their replies within three weeks, and Jam Awais Gohram, the speaker of

LAHoRe

staff RepoRt

The caretaker minister of education for Punjab, Mansoor Qadir, accompanied by School education Secretary Faisal Fareed, made a visit to the Punjab education Foundation (PeF) head office today.

Upon their arrival, the managing director of PeF, Manzar Javed Ali, warmly welcomed the visitors.

During the visit, Ali provided a comprehensive overview of the “Shahr-i-ilm” project and other essential initiatives.

The project aims to open 336 new schools in approved Union Councils of Multan, Rawalpindi, Bahawalpur, Muzaffargarh, Rahimyar Khan, and Sheikhupura. The project will offer free education to approximately 89,000 underprivileged children under the education Voucher Scheme (eVS).

police reached the spot, cordoned off the area and started a search operation.

the Sindh Assembly, the chief secretary of Sindh, and the election commission have been made parties to the petition.

The petitioner argued that Khan had paid Diyet (blood money) to the family of the deceased in the murder case but had not remained truthful and trustworthy after doing so. The petitioner cited clause 53 of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC), which considers Diyet as punishment.

Khan, who was elected as a member of the

Minister praised the project and suggested that schools should be established in slum areas of approved districts where no schools currently exist. The Public-Private Partnership model of PeF was also commended. The secretary also commended the project, saying that it would greatly benefit underprivileged families. he added that project funds would be released to PeF soon to enable smooth project implementation. Ali provided detailed explanations of the Foundation Assisted School (FAS) programme, education Voucher Scheme (eVS), New School Programme (NSP), Cholistan Community School, Cholistan Mobile School, and Roshan Thal Project. During the meeting, he also revealed that an additional 500,000 children could receive free education through PeF education projects with more funds.

Sindh Assembly on PS-79 (Thatta-iii), was served a legal notice in the case.

The petitioner further alleged that the police did not conduct a fair investigation due to the influence of the accused.

Khan and his associates were booked in October 2021 for allegedly torturing an activist, Nazim Jokhio, to death as he tried to stop their illegal hunting of the houbara bustard, an endangered species, in the Memon Goth area of Karachi.

Two police officials were martyred while five others received injuries in terrorist attacks on policemen deployed on census duty in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Tank and lakki Marwat districts, police and Rescue-1122 confirmed on Monday.

Constable Khan Nawab was martyred while police constables Shah Nawaz and Aslam Khan, levies official Bismillah, Frontier Constabulary official Abdullah and driver eid Jan received bullet injuries in an armed attack from terrorists on a police van deployed for the security of census staff in Tank’s Kot Azam area.

The injured officials retaliated and forced the attackers to retreat who later escaped from the scene. Meanwhile, a fresh contingent of

The martyr and injured were moved to District headquarters hospital Tank for medical treatment where their condition was stated as being stable.

in another attack in lakki Marwat’s Parwala village near Sadar police station, two terrorists targeted Constable Dil Jan deployed on census duty and martyred him on the spot.

The terrorists managed to escape after the incident. A heavy police contingent reached the spot and surrounded the area and initiated a search operation. Similarly last week, a cop was martyred while four others were injured in a terrorist attack targeting a census team in KP’s Dera ismail Khan district. The banned militant group Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) claimed responsibility for the attack.

LAKKI MARWAt staff RepoRt

The gift grift

A gallery of rogues

TRUe to their name, the Toshakhana’s records have become the gift that keep on giving. First, it was the PTI’s chairman who was having a tough time on its account, but now, with more revelations, it has engulfed almost the entirety of the apex leadership across party lines.

The report is a scathing indictment of the leadership of this unfortunate republic. And a further proof of the rut we are in is the fact that the supporters of various political parties are busy tarring the leadership of other parties all while conveniently forgetting their own leaders whose names are present in the very same report. One always knew that social media led to tribalisation and echo chambers, but for them to also exist in what, essentially, is literally the same document, is a new low.

The spokespersons of the different parties themselves are wrestling on the granularities of the differences between the cases. Our man paid this much of a percentage, whereas yours paid this much. That is beyond petty. The real issue, one that all the politicians exposed in this report are guilty of, is that all of the items were grossly undervalued. At that value, they would have been a steal, even if a hundred-and-fiftypercent were to have been paid for them, what to speak of fifty. There are those who might feign ignorance of the actual value of luxury items, like former Prime Minister Imran Khan, for instance. But it is his case in specific, where it is not possible for him to not have known something wasn’t quite right in assessing the actual value of the items, when he himself claims he sold them at market value in order to get some considerable construction work done around his Bani Gala estate.

Former information minister Fawad Chaudhry, eggon-face notwithstanding, does raise an important fact. That the gifts of the judiciary and senior military officers should face a similar scrutiny, one every bit as stern as the ones the politicians and civil bureaucracy are undergoing. One cannot find fault in that, specially given the late Asma Chaudhry’s ever-relevant rule-ofthumb: you will forget the politicians’ flaws once you open other accounts.

Post-script: the giving of gifts by states is a curiously archaic practice that shouldn’t have a place in modern diplomacy. This is the third decade of the twenty-first century. It should be done away with.

Arif Nizami (Late)

Founding Editor

Whitewashing history

acter as disagreeable. The corpulent John Reed in Charlotte Brontë’sJane eyreand a similar Mrs. Van hopper in Daphne du Maurier’ss wicked. Pudgy and victimized, Piggy in William Golding’sLord of the Fliesis sympathetic, but also weak and pitiful. So, the prejudice goes way back. And it continues, with for example J. K. Rowling’s Dudley Dursley, Aunt Marge, inharry Potterwho are loathsome, their bellies an outward manifestation of interior defects.

And let’s not forget Umbridge, Crabbe and Goyle.

There was Jabba the hutt, the bad guy in the Star Wars anthology. And ‘Fatty’ the leader of the Five Find Outers by enid Blyton who was a very good guy, and ‘The Fat Controller’ in Thomas the Tank engine who was not a bad guy at all. his real name was Sir Topham hatt. The presence of those particular other names has been criticized, however, for fat shaming, because both of them were corpulent.

ideals and values, even if a book is changed to delete one value and depict another, it would be variously acceptable…or not, to different people in society.

Changing what Dickens or Wilder said is tantamount to attempting to white-wash history. The new edition is not the way Dicken’s spoke, or the way Wilder presented her stories.

It is also important to see the struggles mankind has faced to reach the point it is at now. When the struggle is successful it is useful to know how that success was achieved, to study the methods and analyse them for application to other such issues. When the struggle is ongoing, or has failed then too it is useful to be able to study the process. This is how man learns, starting in childhood.

M. A. Niazi

Joint Editor Umar Aziz Executive Editor

Mian Rauf

The constitution of a country is meant to be a permanent document or a lasting charter and the judicial organ of the government is entrusted with the powers to uphold and safeguard its sanctity. Alexander hamilton, one of the authors of the Federalist Papers, described the judiciary as the least dangerous branch of the government. he meant that it cannot significantly damage the rights of the citizens. If there is no independent judiciary, there will be arbitrary government.

Obedience to the Constitution under Article 5 of the Constitution of Islamic Republic of Pakistan is an inviolable obligation of every citizen and organ of the government. A conscious or deliberate disregard of a constitutional mandate or requirement is nothing short of “subversion” of the Constitution which amounts to “high Treason” under Article 6 of the Constitution. In contemporary Pakistan, the judiciary is playing its parts to preserve the constitution, democracy and the security of the state when faith in country’s all institutions except judiciary has evaporated.

There is so much political turmoil in the country and nothing is being done by our political leaders and other powerful players to address the situation. If democracy has not flourished in this country as was expected, then part of the blame of this malady lies upon the chosen representatives who sit in the parliament. The common man has suffered and continues to suffer on account of the institutions in the country not discharging their responsibilities in accordance with their Constitutional and legal mandate.

With the early dissolution of the Punjab and KP assemblies, a debate has started in Pakistan over the issue of appointing the date for holding of general elections to the two Provincial Assemblies. The election Commission of Pakistan and Punjab governor have shirked their constitutional responsibilities by throwing ball in each other’s court. Article 218 entrust the election commission with the following duty: “ it shall be the duty of the election Commission constituted in relation to an election to organize and conduct and to make arrangements as are necessary to ensure that the election is conducted, honestly, fairly, and in accordance with law, and that the corrupt practices are guarded”. The constitutional provisions on holding of general elections and the election Act, 2017 are very clear and unambiguous but the matter was made complicated unnecessarily. The election Commission was written a letter by the President of Pakistan and the former was reminded its constitutional and statutory duty to announce poll date after consultation with the latter, but the

IT is impossible to adapt the world to a single set of values. There will always be a wide variety of opinions. One must take that or leave it, like it or not. The options are to block our eyes and ears, or live in a cave.

And yet, the act of trying to force everyone onto a uniform platform is familiar for us here. But what about this current attempt in some Western countries to force the literature of the past to confirm to the opinions of the present?

As it happens, this practice is nothing new. Roald Dahl and his books might have come more intensely under the public eye recently because of their publisher’s attempt to sanitize his language, but there were other similar cases which seem to have escaped the uproar the changes to Dahl’s books have caused.

Six books by Dr. Seuss are no longer published because they contain images said to be racist and insensitive. Cat in the hat seems to have escaped the ire of the literary mullahs. enid Blyton’s popular The Magic Faraway Tree series has been edited to cut out the kids having adventures on their own, without adult supervision.

The children’s name in that book have also been changed, Bessie and Fanny to Beth and Frannie, and Jo, the boy to the more valid spelling in current days, Joe, for a boy. As for Rick, he was known as Dick in the original text; his name has been changed for obvious but unnecessary reasons, even though Dick Cheney still retains his name and fails to attract the giggles his name is apparently supposed to.

And then, as Lionel Shriver in The Cut points out that in literature, ‘fat has persistently marked a char-

Other books have faced that ire, for example the Babar the elephant series, and Laura Ingalls Wilder’s Little house on the Prairie series, the first because they were said to be a celebration of colonialism, and the second for a stereotyping of Native Americans.

In the C S Monitor, Gay Andrew Dillin reminds us that in the 1980s, Judy Blume, a best-selling writer of children’s books wrote about several subjects that tend to get various reactions, such as homosexuality, the female body, menstruation, racial prejudice, cruelty among peers…etc. And there was her most popular book: ‘Are you there, God? Its me, Margaret.’

The very name suggests an “Uh-Oh! Be careful!”

Blume’s books have come under repeated attack, to which Judy Blume’s response was worth thinking about. She said, ‘“You don’t teach values. Values are there. You absorb them. One doesn’t say, ‘I’m going to teach you these values.’ Children absorb them by watching their parents’ behavior. If your parents say one thing and do another, the values they are teaching their children is by doing, not by saying.”

And that is a most important point.

Once a book is published, it comes into the public domain and ought to be out of the publisher’s hands; he/she should no longer have the right to edit it.

Over the ages, we have had different values, and different ways of expressing ourselves. Words that were once considered acceptable, are no longer so, generally with valid reason. But to pass on these values to our children is the job of parents and teachers, not the job of Penguin house, or Simon and Schuster. Because we and our children belong to a varied group with different

Ultimate custodians of the constitution

Early elections only way to stability

eCP did not act accordingly. Consequently, the Supreme Court of Pakistan had to intervened under its suo motu powers and settled the matter with the ruling that it is the President, in consultation of the election Commission, will appoint the date for the general elections to the Punjab Assembly, if the governor chooses not to dissolve the assembly. In case of KP, it is the governor who would announce the date in consultation with the eCP.

The judiciary being the ultimate custodian of the constitution has to encounter onslaughts on the constitution as the solutions to the constitutional chaos lies to the Supreme Court and high Courts. The constitution was violated during the time of vote of no-confidence against the then Prime Minister Imran Khan when the DeputySpeaker National Assembly rejected the motion which prompted the former prime minister to dissolve the National assembly. The August Court took the suo motu and declared the deputy speaker ruling not only unconstitutional but also restored the National assembly. Now Sharif’s regime is playing with the constitution by employing absurd constitutional interpretation to justify unconstitutional acts. The PML-N is hell-bent on avoiding elections, for fears of being pommelled by PTI as it fails to curb inflation.

Though the supreme court of Pakistan has settled that the elections to the provincial assemblies of Punjab and KPK are to be held within 90 days of the dissolution of the assemblies, the

government is making excuses like shortage of funds and unavailability of personnel. As ruled by the August Court that parliamentary democracy is the basic feature of the constitution and there can be no parliamentary democracy without Parliament and Provincial Assemblies. And there can be neither parliament nor provincial assembly without the holding of elections as envisaged under the constitution. Any deviation from the Supreme Court’s ruling will tantamount to the contempt of court which will have consequences for the present fledgling coalition government. The constitution does not allow the care taker set up to continue for than 90 days’ time limit set by the constitution. Therefore, it is the responsibility of every relevant institution to ensure that the elections to the provincial assemblies are held within the constitutionally prescribed time period. The reluctance of the PML-N led coalition government of not going into the elections will not bring it victory, given its worst economic performance. The current political uncertainty can come to an end if early elections are held throughout the country because a government with fresh public mandate can take tough political and economic decisions to steer the country out of multiple crises.

The writer is columnist and legal practitioner. He holds an LLM from Punjab University. He can be reached at mianrauf2172@gmail.com

The treatment and language used by plantation owners when dealing with their slaves, the treatment and language meted out to their workers by feudal lords and rich persons in general in Pakistan is enlightening. We can study it and know how not to behave. As it is enlightening and important to know what the North American States went through to achieve what racial freedom they possess today, and where it still falls short. It helps to know about Rosa Parks and Martin Luther King. And about the people in Pakistan who have fought injustice, Akhtar hameed Khan, Parveen Rahman, Asma Jehangir, Faiz Ahmad Faiz. The option is to remain in the dark and for the new generation to imagine that every person in the past grew up exactly as they do now, and had the same values as we are taught in this day…which is how it will be if publishers continue editing books. This is as important as it is to know the struggles our religious figures went through to push through the various reforms they did in their ancient societies.

Words that we disagree with can either be left out when we read out these books to our children. Or… which is better….they can provide a ground for discussion on how it is not right to use such words, or hold those values, and the fact that until people fought against them those words and attitudes were once used and considered acceptable.

Children do not live in a sterilized world, and it is to their detriment if we force them to think they do. They need to learn the meaning of progress, and the different between right and wrong, and also to live with what they cannot change, such as different points of view around them.

The writer is a freelance columnist. Read more by her at http://rabia-ahmed.blogspot.com/

Editor’s mail

Celebrating IYOM

The growing global population owing to the need for more affordable and nutritious food options has challenged the prevailing agriculture, horticulture, and food and drink processing technologies. experts suggest using millets as one possible solution to address such concerns.

Millets are a group of plants cultivated for their tiny edible seeds, widely grown worldwide as cereal crops or grain for food. These are highly nutritious as well as resistant to pests and drought, and thus possess immense environmental sustainability. Moreover, the non-glutinous nature of millets makes them safe for people with allergies and long-term autoimmune disorders. Despite these salient features, millets have yet to be utilised to address issues relevant to food and nutrition security.

To create awareness regarding the production and consumption of millets, the United Nations has declared 2023 the International Year of Millets (IYOM). endorsing the use of millets may provide unswerving backing to accomplish a number of the UN’s sustainable development goals, including zero hunger, good health and wellbeing, responsible consumption and production, life on land, etc. The IYOM is aimed at providing a unique opportunity to promote millets as a critical component of the food basket. This will be significant, especially in regions with poor soil or areas affected by climate change and severe weather events. The public and private sectors, including academics, research organisations, media, food industry, agricultural segment and the relevant ministries, must pay attention to the task of making arrangements to commemorate IYOM in its true spirit.

With all the climatic hazards that are part of life today, our agricultural land and production is under stress, catalysing the economic turmoil. In these worst circumstances, it is indeed a national duty to play our part in utilising the support available from the UN to elevate awareness of the contribution of millets to motivate the stakeholders on improving sustainable production and quality of millets. IYOM is a wonderful opportunity to boost ventures in research and development (R&D) and extension services to achieve the sustainable development goals.

Robbery in Punjab

I recently visited Chak Jhumra, a tehsil of Faisalabad district. During the journey by car from Chiniot to Chak Jhumra, I and my two cousins experienced a horrible incident of robbery on the road leading to Chak Jhumra which was in an extremely dilapidated condition with potholes and cracks aplenty.

Taking advantage of the uneven and badly damaged road, on which one could drive only at a certain speed, a bunch of robbers armed with automatic weapons appeared suddenly in front of our car as soon as the person on the driving seat slowed down the vehicle to negotiate a pothole.

The robbers dragged us out of the car and made us stand with our hands raised above our shoulders. They pushed us inside a graveyard and harshly asked us to hand over all our belongings to them. We quietly obeyed their orders. Thereafter, they immediately powered off our cellphones and took all our belongings in their custody, thoroughly searched us physically and made us sit aside. In the meantime, another illfated traveller became their victim, and the robbers took away Rs35,000 from his pocket after they had already deprived us of Rs24,000. After spending about two hours in their custody, we were allowed to leave.

The provincial administration is least bothered about giving protection to travellers in remote areas/villages, especially after sunset. The damaged road connecting Chiniot and Chak Jhumra should be repaired without any delay, and at least two police checkposts should be setup at an appropriate distance on the 15km stretch of road. Besides, police patrolling at regular intervals should be ensured to avoid untoward incidents.

Once a book is published, it comes into the public domain and ought to be out of the publisher’s hands; he/she should no longer have the right to edit it.

Rabia ahMed

Yousaf Nizami Editor

Dedicated to the legacy of late Hameed Nizami

If democracy has not flourished in this country as was expected, then part of the blame of this malady lies upon the chosen representatives who sit in the parliament.

PAKISTAN enjoysvery brotherly, warm and friendly relationswith allmembers of the Islamic Ummahparticularly with Saudi Arabia, United Arab emirates (UAe) and Qatarbesides as a peace loving country italso hascordial, friendly relations with other countries around the globe. Pakistan also maintains peaceful, cordial and friendly relations with all its neighboring countries with India being a singular exception with which friendly neighborlyrelations continue to be marredmainly due to unresolved lingeringdispute ofIndian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir.

ever since Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has come into power in power in April 2022,he has frequently been undertaking foreign tours for varying reasons for boosting Pakistan’s relations with these countries, attending international conferences and forums and in a concentrated attempt to pull the motherland out of theextraordinarily prevailing economic crisis apparently for providing relief toall segments of the society as much as possible.It is also worth mentioning that while attending international conferences and forums, the Prime Minister has been interacting withworld leaders, heads ofinternational financial institutions and organizations.

PM Shehbaz Sharif has undertaken 19 foreign visits mostly official with a couple of private visitsto 11 countrieswhichinclude Saudi Arabia and Qatar, two visits each, three each to the United Kingdom(private), UAe and Turkeyand one each to Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, USA, egypt, Switzerland and China.

With regards to Qatar,Pakistan has alwaysenjoyed excellent relationswith this fraternally brotherly countryon a commonalityof religion,culture, values and traditions.

These relations were duly highlightedduringthe prime minister’s two visits, both of two days duration each, at the appropriate highest level of the two brotherlycountries. The first visit toQatar was undertaken in

Pak-Qatar relations

August 2022 when the host country was makinghistorically hectic preparations for hosting FIFA World Cup 2022during which Pakistan Army contingent provided security assistance and in which footballs manufacturedby sports goods manufacturersof Sialkot were officially used to the great appreciation ofall participating teamsbesides the host country.

This was indeeda matter of honor and pride for the people of Pakistan. The prime ministerhad paid his first visit toQatarat the invitationof emir of Qatar Sheikh hamad bin Khalifa Al Thaniand the two leaders had an in depth meeting in which they exchanged views of matters of bilateral, regional and international concernsand issues and measures to further strengthenbilateral relations between the two brother countries for their mutual benefit.

The second visit took place in the first week of March 2023. The prime ministervisitedQatar toattend the 5th UN World Conference on Least Developed Countries (LDC)at the invitation of emir of QatarTamim bin hamad Al Thani who was host to the international moot.

The prime ministerheld fruitful and productive meeting with emir of Qatar on the sidelines of the 5th UN least Developed Countries Conference in Doha. The prime minister toldthehost emir of Qatar that Qatar’s support for Pakistan uplift initiatives is duly valued and appreciated by the people as well as the government of Pakistan.

Shehbaz Sharif and expressed his keen interest in enhancingeconomic ties between the two brotherly countries. On the occasion, the visiting Pakistani leader invited the emir of Qatar tovisit Pakistan at the earliest on his convenience. The host ruler of Qatar accepted the invitation with great pleasure.

The prime minister held fruitful and productive meeting with Emir of Qatar on the sidelines of the 5th UN least Developed Countries Conference in Doha. The prime minister told the host Emir of Qatar that Qatar’s support for Pakistan uplift initiatives is duly valued and appreciated by the people as well as the government of Pakistan.

Addressing the Conference, PM Shehbaz Sharif said Pakistan was committedto implement Doha Programme of Action considering itas an opportunityfor acceleratingsustainable prosperityin the least developed countries, partnershipof the LDCs with the developednations as well with the private sector and civil societywasquite significant for global; prosperity at large. During his stay in Doha, the prime minister also held a fruitful meeting with Chief executive Officer (CeO) of Qatar InvestmentAuthority (QIA) Mansoorebrahim AlMahmoud. On the occasion, various proposals were discussed relating todifferent sectorsof Pakistan’s economy. The CeO of QIA expressed his keen interest for his country’s investment in LNG powerplants, airports and power parks in Pakistan. This was the second meeting between the two, the first one was held during the PM’s first visit to Qatar. It is worth mentioning here that the relations betweenthe two brotherly countries have over the yearsseen a steadyand positive upward trajectory.

hancement ofeconomic cooperationin diverse fields of mutualinterest.

Over the years,Qatar has been extendingmultifield support and assistance to Pakistan in an unrelenting manner. Both the countrieshave a rich history of mutual cooperationin the bilateral domain as well as on multilateral forms, ties between Pakistan and Qatar were rooted deeplyin the shared faith, mutual understanding and convergence of interests. Relationship between the two brotherly countries, to say the least, is quite appreciably based on mutual trust and shared goal of achieving prosperity for their people, have hadexcellent cooperationin various fields including energy, manpower export and people to people linkages in the past and quiteobviously therewas great potentialas well as opportunitiesfortransforming theseinto more robust and mutually beneficial partnership by exploring new ventures of cooperation in sectors like renewable energy, food security, industrial and infrastructuredevelopment and hospitality besides striking another deal for lengthy for supply of LNG at affordable pricesas Qatar has huge reservesof Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) following the prime minister’s two visits to Qatar in just eight months.

There is a lot more which can be said about the most brotherly and mutually beneficial relations between Qatar and Pakistan and frequent exchange of contacts at the highest levelof emir of Qatar and Prime Minister of Pakistanbut for want of space, these would be dilated upon some other time, please.

The two leadersheld free and franktalks on a wide range of issuesand discussedways to further enhanceexcellent cooperationin economic and investment areas. The emir of Qatar on his part welcomed PM

Following the prime minister’s two visits to the Gulf state, the two countriesnow apparently are keen to transform these historical and fraternal bilateral relations into a morerobuststrategic relationship through the en-

China just left the US with a bloody nose in the Gulf

FOR CHINA, THE AGREEMENT SOLIDIFIES ITS LEGITIMACY AS A HEAVYWEIGHT DIPLOMATIC MEDIATOR ABLE TO RESOLVE THE MOST ANTAGONISTIC GEOSTRATEGIC COMPETITION IN THE REGION

atlantic council

ahMed aboudouh

ChINeSe ambitions to mediate between Saudi Arabia and Iran are not new. Chinese five-point plans, flaunted by senior Chinese diplomat Wang Yi two years ago, set out a Chinese vision for regional security and revealed a glimpse into Beijing’s objective to become a regional actor. For China, the agreement solidi-

fies its legitimacy as a heavyweight diplomatic mediator able to resolve the most antagonistic geostrategic competition in the region. It could create the first conditions for a shift in the strategic balance in the context of rivalry with the United States in the Gulf. China’s ambitions to position itself as a credible peacemaker have a broader scope covering conflicts in Syria, Libya, and Yemen, especially after this agreement. This could be problematic in Washington. The United States’ hesitance to spend more political capital on mediating conflicts is increasingly seen in the Middle east as evidence of the United States’ declining power and its focus on competition with China in the Indo-Pacific. The agreement could also provide the Chinese leadership with more strategic options since deescalating tensions between Riyadh and Tehran creates a thin layer of security and stability necessary for oil exports bound to China, trade sea lines of communication, and Chinese Belt

and Road investments. For Saudi Arabia and Iran, China’s ostensible commitment to the “non-interference” principle and its “nonalignment” regional policy attached great credibility to its position as a broker. To be clear, both countries seem united in their grievances towards the Biden administration, albeit at different levels. Nonetheless, despite Iraq’s hosting the talks for the most part, China’s desire to take the lead has met Riyadh and Tehran’s willingness to hand it a diplomatic win—a stark indication of China’s growing influence over the two biggest powers in the Gulf. It remains to be seen whether the Chinese mediation will hold in the future and, indeed, cover other regional conflicts. Nevertheless, China has just left the United States with a bleeding nose in the Gulf.

Ahmed Aboudouh is a nonresident fellow with the Middle East Programs at the Atlantic Council.

Where was the US when Iran, Saudi Arabia restored ties?

The news over the weekend that Iran and Saudi Arabia agreed to reestablish relations took many policymakers by surprise and is seen by some as potentially casting a shadow over the possibility of Israel and Saudi Arabia progressing in their relations.

The deal, brokered by China, was announced after four days of previously undisclosed talks in Beijing between top security officials from the two rival Middle east powers.

It came just days after the Wall Street Journal reported that peace between Saudi Arabia and Israel is contingent on assistance from Washington in developing the Saudi civilian nuclear program and the provision of security guarantees.

A senior official traveling with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s entourage to Italy naturally put the blame on his predecessors, as well as on the Biden administration. “There was a feeling of American and Israeli weakness, so Saudi Arabia turned to other channels,” said the senior Israeli official, who briefed reporters in Italy.

Other observers said the rapprochement between the long-strained countries was in part due to Israel’s increasingly right-wing turn and political chaos unfolding due to the judicial reforms. The move certainly must have been a surprise for Netanyahu, who has often portrayed Israel’s strength as a ticket to more relations in the region.

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR ISRAEL AND THE MIDDLE EAST GOING FORWARD? While all the critics of the Iran-Saudi deal may be correct, it would be wise to urge caution in how Israel moves forward. It would be good for the government to welcome the deal cautiously but to also draw the necessary conclusions.

First and foremost, the fact that China mediated a deal between two Middle eastern powers says something about the US. China is a rival to America and the countries have been vying for influence over the region for decades. China’s ability to enter into the Iranian-Saudi standoff is a result of the vacuum created by the lack of US engagement

in the region.

It is no secret that the Biden administration – and the Obama administration before it – viewed their role as moving away from the Middle east. Obama did this by setting redlines in Syria that were never enforced, allowing Russia to enter the country. The Biden administration has done the same by signaling to the Saudis and emiratis that they are on their own when it comes to fighting the houthis in Yemen. China has outshone the US in the Middle east and that will have repercussions on Israel, whose alliance with America directly affects its own standing in the region. As we have long argued, when the US is strong and perceived as engaged in the region, this empowers Israel and vice versa.

On the other hand, Israel will need to wait and see if the normalization of ties between Iran and Saudi Arabia means that Riyadh will have more influence and connections when it comes to reining in Iran.

When Iran is more aggressive, whether in weapons trafficking to Lebanon or Yemen, or destabilizing Iraq and Syria, then Israel and Saudi Arabia are both threatened. Saudi Arabia cares deeply about Yemen and Lebanon, and also Iraq and Syria; and this means that Iran’s actions will be in the spotlight after the agreement.

We should welcome diplomacy as a pathway toward peace and stability in the region. At the same time, we should make it clear that the redlines relating to nuclear weapons production remain the same as in the past.

Riyadh does not want Iran to have a nuclear weapons program. It is likely true that China also does not want an Iranian bomb, even if Beijing has chosen to remain silent on this issue, or appear to support Iran against US sanctions in the past.

Israel’s other interest is to maintain its track of emerging and potential ties with Saudi Arabia. As we have seen with reconciliation with Turkey – which has warm relations with Tehran – relationships can evolve on separate tracks.

The deal between Saudi and Iran is a significant development in the Middle east. Israel needs to speak with its allies in Washington and urge the Biden administration to become more active. Sitting on the sidelines is not smart policy; other players will fill the void.

The writer is Lahore-based Freelance Journalist, Columnist and retired Deputy Controller (News) , Radio Pakistan, Islamabad and can be reached at zahidriffat@gmail.com

The Silicon Valley Bank bailout

THE BILL FOR BAD POLICY COMES DUE, BUT THERE’S RISK IN A SECOND RESCUE OF THE BANKING SYSTEM IN 15 YEARS

Wall street Journal editoRial boaRd

The Treasury and Federal Reserve stepped in late Sunday to contain the financial damage from Friday’s closure of Silicon Valley Bank, guaranteeing even uninsured deposits and offering loans to other banks so they don’t have to take losses on their fixed-income assets. This is a de facto bailout of the banking system, even as regulators and Biden officials have been telling us that the economy is great and there was nothing to worry about. The unpleasant truth— which Washington will never admit—is that SVB’s failure is the bill coming due for years of monetary and regulatory mistakes.

***

Wall Street and Silicon Valley were in full panic over the weekend demanding that the Treasury and Fed intervene to save the day. It’s revealing to see who can keep a cool head in a crisis—and it wasn’t billionaire hedge-fund operator Bill Ackman or venture investor David Sacks, both frantic panic spreaders. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. closed SVB, and the cleanest solution would be for the agency to find a private buyer for the bank. This has been the first resort in most previous financial panics, and the FDIC was holding an auction that closed Sunday afternoon. But Rohit Chopra, the elizabeth Warren acolyte on the FDIC board, is hostile to bank mergers on ideological grounds, and the purchase terms could be too onerous for some potential buyers. The biggest banks are now the safest, and deposits are flooding into them. J.P. Morgan can park that money at the Federal Reserve and earn interest on its reserves. Why take on a new political headache?

SVB executives made mistakes, and they will pay for them, but they were encouraged by easy money and misguided regulation. As the Fed flooded the world with dollar liquidity, money flowed into venture startups that were SVB’s customer base. The bank’s deposits soared—far beyond what it could safely lend.

In a world of near-zero interest rates, SVB put the money in long duration fixed-income assets in search of a higher return. Regulators after the 2008 crisis had deemed these Treasury bonds and mortgage-backed securities nearly risk-free for the purpose of measuring bank capital. If regulators say they’re risk-free, banks and depositors may be less careful. But those securities declined in value as the Fed took interest rates up quickly to break the inflation it helped to cause. SVB had enormous capital losses if it were forced to liquidate those assets before maturity. That’s exactly what happened as SVB customers withdrew their deposits. The San Francisco Fed regulates SVB somehow missed this rising vulnerability. The Fed and Treasury will try to blame the bankers, but they are as much if not more culpable. The idea of elevating San Francisco Fed president Mary Daly to the Board of Governors seems preposterous after SVB.

an entity to protect SVB’s insured depositors up to the legal limit of $250,000. But something like 85% to 90% of SVB’s deposits are uninsured. The worry is that depositors in other banks will now flee. Thus the cries for federal intervention. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said Sunday there will be no “bailout” for SVB, but she is indulging in semantics. The feds said they will guarantee even uninsured deposits at SVB as well as at Signature Bank in New York. Typically in a bank failure those depositors would get their money back with a 15% to 20% haircut. This would no doubt be a hardship for many customers, but the $250,000 limit was known.

Will a universal uninsured deposit guarantee be next? This would be a monumental policy surrender, essentially admitting that the regulatory machinery established in 2010 by Dodd-Frank failed. We may be the only people in the world who still worry about “moral hazard.” But a nationwide guarantee for uninsured deposits, even for a limited time, means this will become the default policy any time there is a financial panic.

There’s also a question of the legality of such a guarantee. The FDIC created a “transaction account guarantee” program amid the 2008 panic, but Congress explicitly let it expire in Dodd-Frank. Congress set the $250,000 insured limit to protect average Americans, not venture investors in Silicon Valley. The FDIC may have resorted to its “systemic risk exception” for SVB and Signature, but this is a stretch considering their size. The joint statement by regulators said it received the required twothirds vote of both the FDIC and Fed boards, and we’d like to see the creative legal work by the Office of Legal Counsel at the Justice Department.

The Fed is acting as it should as a provider of liquidity to all comers. But it’s going further and offering one-year loans to banks against collateral of Treasurys and other fixed-income assets. The Fed will value these assets at par, which means banks don’t have to sell their assets at a loss. The Fed is essentially guaranteeing bank assets that are taking losses because banks took duration risk that Fed policies encouraged. This too is a bailout.

Perhaps this will contain any market mayhem, but if it doesn’t our guess is that the Treasury, FDIC and Fed will look to guarantee uninsured deposits across the banking system. The Fed will want to avoid institutional blame for financial damage, and President Biden will do anything to avoid letting a financial panic affect the overall economy as he prepares to run for a second term next year.

But there is political risk from a bailout too. If the Administration acts to guarantee deposits without Congressional approval, it will face legitimate legal questions. The White house may choose to jam house Speaker Kevin McCarthy if markets aren’t mollified. But Mr. McCarthy has a restive GOP caucus as it is, and a bailout for rich depositors will feed populist anger against Washington.

The critics have a point. For the second time in 15 years (excluding the brief Covid-caused panic), regulators will have encouraged a credit mania, and then failed to foresee the financial panic when the easy money stopped. Democrats and the press corps may try to pin the problem on bankers or the Trump Administration, but these are political diversions.

You can’t run the most reckless monetary and fiscal experiment in history without the bill eventually coming due. The first invoice arrived as inflation. The second has come as a financial panic, with economic damage that may not end with Silicon Valley Bank.

MuhaMMad Zahid Riffat

China puts people first on new journey of ‘building great Country’

BEijing Mian abRaR

tHEannual gathering of more than 2,900 deputies to the National People’s Congress (NPC), China’s national legislature, in Beijing for the country’s development and reform priorities, among other things, has drawn to a close. At the closing meeting of the first session of the 14th NPC on Monday morning, Chinese President Xi Jinping pledged to perform his duty scrupulously, do his utmost, and prove worthy of the trust of all NPC deputies and the Chinese people of all ethnic groups.

In a speech broadcast live, Xi, who was on Friday elected Chinese president by a unanimous vote, said the people’s trust is the biggest motivation

that drives him to march on and is a great responsibility he shoulders.

“From this day forward to the mid-21st century, the central task of the entire Communist Party of China (CPC) and all Chinese people will be to build China into a great modern socialist country in all respects and to advance the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation on all fronts,” he said.

HigH-quality development: High-quality development, which entails innovative, coordinated, green and open development and development for everyone, was one of the buzzwords during the country’s all-important political event.

While attending a deliberation with his fellow NPC deputies from the delegation of Jiangsu Province during the session, Xi stressed the importance

of pursuing high-quality development, calling it the “first and foremost” task in China’s modernization endeavor. As one of the engines driving China’s economic growth, Jiangsu has become a front-runner in the country’s modernization bid. In 2022, the province’s GDP reached 12.28 trillion yuan ($1.77 trillion), a 2.8-percent in-

crease over the previous year, and its economic output accounted for 10.2 percent of the country’s total.

The Chinese leader also highlighted the role of the private sector in pursuing such development when he attended a joint group meeting of national political advisors last week, underscoring that private enterprises and entrepreneurs “belong to our own family” and urging them to take the initiative.

China’s economy as a whole has grown by leaps and bounds, with a greener and more efficient economy enabled by a shifted focus to high-quality development. For instance, the country’s energy consumption per 10,000 yuan of gross domestic product in 2022 decreased by 0.1 percent from 2021, while CO2 emissions per 10,000 yuan of GDP

fell 0.8 percent year on year, according to the National Bureau of Statistics. In Monday’s speech, Xi reiterated that efforts should be made to effectively upgrade and appropriately expand China’s economy, and continuously increase the country’s economic strength, scientific and technological capabilities and composite national strength. people-centered pHilosopHy: China’s ultimate goal of promoting high-quality development is to deliver happiness and well-being to its people, as the country’s leadership has made clear on many occasions. In building a modern socialist country in all respects, the most challenging and arduous tasks are believed to remain in the rural areas, highlighting the need for further efforts to advance rural revitalization across the board.

Shadab named captain as Pakistan announce squad for Afghanistan T20 series

LAHORE

Staff RepoRt

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Monday announced a 15-member squad for a three-match T20 series against Afghanistan with all-rounder Shadab Khan picked to lead the side in the absence of full-time skipper Babar Azam, who has been rested.

PCB Managing Committee head Najam Sethi and Chief Selector Haroon Rashid made the announcement, saying that the

squad was finalised keeping in view the team’s future plans. Squad included, Shadab Khan (captain), Abdullah Shafique, Azam Khan, Faheem Ashraf, Iftikhar Ahmed, Ihsanullah, Imad Wasim, Mohammad Haris, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Wasim Junior, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Shan Masood, Tayyab Tahir, Zaman Khan. Pakistan captain Babar Azam, along with Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Rizwan and Shaheen Shah Afridi have been rested, while Asif Ali, Haider

Ali, Mohammad Hasnain and Khushdil Shah have been dropped. These nine players were part of the Pakistan squad that reached the final of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2022 in Australia. The three-match series will be played between March 24 and 27 in Sharjah. Afghanistan have played Pakistan in three T20 Internationals and four ODIs in multinational events without any win so far but this will be the first bilateral series between the two countries.

Saudi FM hopeful to exchange visits with Iran

RiyAdH agencieS

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan said that the Saudi government is preparing for the resumption of bilateral relations with Iran in a couple of months and expressed hope to exchange visits with Iran. In a Chinese-mediated deal, Saudi Arabia and Iran have decided to resume their diplomatic relations and reached a concord to reopen embassies that were shut down since 2016. The tensions were at their peak as the Saudi government executed Shia cleric Sheikh Nimr al-Nimr upon conviction of terrorism among other 46 people. Prince Faisal, in an interview with the Saudi-owned Al Sharq Al Awsat news agency, said that the recent agreement with Tehran to resume diplomatic ties confirms the desire of both sides “to resolve differences through communication and dialogue”. He also stressed that it doesn’t mean that it has “resolved all the other outstanding differences between the two countries.” Prince Faisal said he was looking forward to meeting his Iranian counterpart soon as per the agreement. “We are preparing to resume diplomatic relations between our countries within the next two months, and it’s natural that we exchange visits in the future,” he said. Saudi Arabia and Iran are neighbouring countries thathave many common features such as religion, culture and history, said the Saudi minister. The Saudi prince also stressed that the deal “served as evidence of our mutual desire to resolve [the differences] through communication and dialogue, through peaceful ways and diplomatic instruments.” Prince Faisal also added that the Kingdom hopes to open a new chapter with Iran and to enhance the prospects of cooperation in a way that positively impacts the strengthening of security and stability, and the advancement of development and prosperity, not only for Saudi Arabia and Iran but in the region as a whole.The Saudi minister, while talking about the Iranian nuclear programme, stated that Iran’s continued development of its nuclear capabilities is undoubtedly a concern for the kingdom, and the Saudi government repeats its call for the Gulf region and the Middle East to be free of weapons of mass destruction. He went on to mention that Saudi Arabia calls on Iran to commit to its nuclear obligations and increase its cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). “We will continue to work with allies and friends in order to ensure this,” Faisal bin Farhan highlighted. Underlining the Chinese mediation between the two countries, the Saudi Prince said: “China has positive relations with both parties, which contributed to aligning views and highlighting the legitimate concerns of the Kingdom.”

corporate corner

NOT-BY- PROFIT Global ratinG downGrades deter foreiGn investors from investinG in Pakistani market

ISLaMaBaD

NEWS DESK

President/CEO) Acting ZTBL Zahid Hussain acknowledges

Policy makers, Industrial Experts Discuss Localisation for Growth at National Policy Dialogue

Karachi: K-Electric Limited, in collaboration with Nutshell Group, jointly hosted a National Policy Dialogue on Localisation for growth at a local hotel in Karachi. The dialogue addressed the urgent need to explore options for indigenisation and sourcing materials from local avenues for Pakistan to build a resilient economy. As the world’s 4th most populous country, Pakistan’s reliance on imported fuels for its energy needs tends to pose a hurdle for consistent economic growth against commodity shocks. Founder & CEO, Nutshell Group, Muhammad Azfar Ahsan, welcomed the guests and reiterated the dire need for Pakistan to prioritize work on the Charter of Business to enable local businesses to enhance impact through local empowerment. The Dialogue was well attended by the public, private stakeholders and government figures including Senator Dr. Musadik Malik, Minister of State, Ministry of Energy, Mr. Khurram Dastagir Federal Minister for Power, Governor Sindh Kamran Tessori, representing the Government and elaborating on public initiatives. Dr. Malik’s address focused on the need to understand the ground realities as well as the potential and why localization is not a demand but a need. He felt that instead of relying only on one-time solutions, we should strive for a strong indigenous footprint. “We can only become competitive on a global scale when we achieve a local edge. When we talk about localization, we must develop clusters, where several economic activities are taking place in one geographic area.

Finland, Pakistan business communities come together to expand business cooperation

islamabad: Finland-Pakistan Business Council

(FPBC) organized the 10th edition of its legacy Finland Pakistan Business Summit 2023 in Islamabad. This year, the summit primarily focused on expanding cooperation in the energy and education sectors to boost bilateral trade, investment, and exchange of technical expertise for shared growth and development. The summit was inaugurated by the ambassador of Finland to Pakistan, H.E. Mr. Hannu Ripatti, while the former Prime Minister of Pakistan, Shahid Khaqan Abbasi chaired an important session, ‘Future of Energy Landscape in Pakistan’. More than 20 Finnish companies, the majority from the energy and education sectors, participated in the summit, which was also attended by prominent business owners, business representatives, entrepreneurs, and corporate executives from Pakistan.The summit essentially is a networking platform that has facilitated business cooperation between the two countries for more than a decade. It has helped explore business opportunities, share expertise, and help Pakistani businesses use the Finnish corridor to access the enormous markets in the European Union and the Nordic region. The panelists, all acclaimed experts in their respective fields, emphasized the need for Pakistan to replicate the Finnish model in enhancing its reliance on renewable energy and excellence in education, professional training and gender equality for socioeconomic success. They also highlighted the need for Pakistan to facilitate investment and a steady transfer of innovative technologies and technical expertise by realigning its regulatory regime to strengthen its energy and other key business sectors. Speaking at the summit, the ambassador of Finland to Pakistan, H. E. Mr. Hannu Ripatti expressed his pleasure at the level of business cooperation between Pakistan and Finland.

foodpanda Partners with Find My Doctor (FMD) to Offer Free Doctor Consultations to Riders

wRITINGfor Express Tribune, author Faraz Ahmed explains that Pakistan's stock market has been facing a range of challenges for several years, including political chaos, extreme flooding, and geopolitical crises, the latest being the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Despite hopes of the KSE-100 index crossing 50K or even 60K following the International Monetary Fund (IMF) deal, it has remained stagnant. The lack of a staff-level agreement with the IMF has kept investors on the sidelines, and the recent unprecedented three-notch downgrade by global rating agencies has spooked international investors, resulting in dried-up Foreign Investors Portfolio Investment (FIPI).

The gap between the valuation and price of the stock is widening as the price to earnings ratio of the KSE-100 Index hit 3x, and the dividend yield climbed to 10%. The tough IMF conditionality and political overhang are the

two major factors that have contributed to this situation. Inflation is one of the most significant impacts of the IMF conditions on Pakistan's economy. The IMF has pushed the central bank to undertake an incredibly tough monetary policy stance to control inflation which, as per recent figures from the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS), crossed 40%. This hawkish move by the central bank may be effective in the long run, but it has an adverse short-term impact on the economy, resulting in higher borrowing costs and reduced consumer spending. This is already destroying the bottom line for many leveraged sectors in the stock market such as steel and cement. Both of these sectors widely underperformed the benchmark index last year. The fall in construction activities due to the floods and erosion of buying power has also kept genuine investors in the real estate sector at bay. Similarly, the steel sector faced various headwinds, including the increasing price of raw material and a slowdown in demand due to an economic lull and political instability. Unfavorable effects of the anticipated capacity expansions by

cement makers continue to be among the sector's top worries. There are, however, signs of recovery and some interest was generated by investors last month, witnessed by better-than-expected results and falling coal prices.

The pharmaceutical and auto sectors are also badly affected due to strong curbs on imports and issues related to the issuing of Letters of Credit (LCs) for importing raw material such as Completely Knocked Down (CKD) kits for automobiles and Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) for drug manufacturers.

On the export side, the textile sector, which was already suffering from a shrinking top line due to the global slowdown, is suffering further from rising energy prices and raw material costs. This has resulted in major shutdowns and massive layoffs in recent times and is likely to aggravate the economic woes of the country even further. On the flip side, there are some beneficiaries of the IMF deal, like the energy sector, where circular debt is projected to rise to Rs2.4 trillion by June 2023.

As per the IMF's directive, a comprehensive Circular Debt Manage-

Good governance: The secret sauce to Singapore’s

ISLaMaBaD

NEWS DESK

Writing for Dawn, Seyyda Taskeen

Abbas Naqvi talks about Singapore, a small island nation in Southeast Asia, which in recent years has managed to establish itself as a developed nation with a strong economy, despite not having any natural resources. Its success can be attributed to several factors, including its emphasis on education and human capital development, creation of a businessfriendly environment, strong social protection system, and good gover-

nance. These strategies can be adapted by other developing countries, such as Pakistan, to achieve economic growth and social prosperity.

To follow in Singapore's footsteps, Pakistan needs to invest in education and human capital development, providing financial assistance programs and professional development opportunities to promote STEM education and prepare students for the future economy. It also needs to create a business-friendly

ment Plan (CDMP) was approved by the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) last month. The Power Division had submitted the CDMP to the ECC, where it summarized the multiple steps taken and planned to curb the accumulation of circular debt in the power sector. This will definitely improve the liquidity situation for all the companies listed in both oil and gas producers, transmission as well as power generation and distribution sectors and may result in high dividend payouts.

Rising interest rates will force investors to move away from riskier assets such as equities to safer avenues such as fixed income, which will be beneficial for banks as their net interest margins will improve. But the rising risk of default due to an economic slowdown may result in write-downs and higher provisions on the balance sheets of banks exposed to the leveraged sectors or not adequately capitalized to deal with such eventualities.

To read the full article visit www.tribune.com.pk

economic and political stability

environment, encouraging public-private partnerships and simplifying business registration processes.

Pakistan can develop an export-oriented economy by investing in appropriate infrastructure, trade facilitation, and education to support industries such as textiles, minerals, and energy resources. It also needs to prioritize social protection by implementing a comprehensive social protection system and encouraging citizens to save.

Infrastructure Summit to take place in Karachi

karaChI pr

InfraZamin Pakistan, is an innovative and for-profit credit enhancement platform that enables the realization of a vision through the best possible financial scaffolding. It is designed to issue guarantees for supporting and promoting state-of-the-art, infrastructure projects. In collaboration with Nutshell Group, the Infrastructure Summit 2023 “Building for Impact” is being held on March 14 at a local hotel. With international speakers and representation of public and private institutions, this summit is focused on exploring the best financing pos-

sible for the required infrastructure of projects in Pakistan. “Decades of policy neglect are now catching up. Add climate change to the mix - no wonder the outlook is grim without serious course correction now!” Maheen Rehman, CEO InfraZamin.

Infrastructure Summit 2023 will highlight the importance of sustainable infrastructure development across the country and the opportunities for raising funds. It will bring together thought leaders and experts from relevant industries to explore and discuss the best way forward.

The summit is being attended by the Governor, of the State Bank of Pakistan, M. Jameel Ahmad who will

Strengthening governance and combating corruption are also crucial steps towards achieving economic growth and social prosperity. By taking these actionable steps, Pakistan can harness its natural resources and boost its economy while providing universal social protection to its citizens, just like Singapore.

To read the full article visit www.dawn.com

be speaking about Sustainable Infrastructure Financing. The Chairman, of the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan, Akif Saeed, will also be speaking about emphasizing the need for Developing Capital Market Ecosystems for Sustainable Infrastructure Funding. There will be an in-depth Conversation with Andrew Bainbridge, Chair, of the Private Infrastructure Development Group (PIDG) on “Lessons from the PIDG Experience on Blended Finance”. PIDG has mobilized almost USD 40 Billion of private sector and development finance funds to close 190 projects in over 50 countries and provide over 200 million people with access to improved infrastructure.

A hoax normalcy by G20 Summit

Mukthar BaBa

Government of India, which holds the presidency of G20 – a premier forum for international economic cooperation, shaping and strengthening global architecture and governance on all major international economic issues is maliciously gathering attention to validate its crimes against humanity in Indian illegally occupied Jammu & Kashmir (IIOJK).

The 2023 summit of G20 which is expected in the United Nations recognized disputed land of Jammu & Kashmir is already under military occupation for more than seven decades. Since 1989, when the movement for Kashmiri Freedom took the form of an armed insurgency, more than half a million Indian troops have been deployed there, making it one of the most highly militarized regions of the world.

Some estimates place the number of Indian occupying troops deployed as high as 900,000. With a ratio of one soldier to every ten civilians, Indian counterinsurgency has progressed as a classic dirty war, where the army treats the civilian population as the enemy. The troops are deployed not only along contested borders but across civilian areas as well.

In this situation, human rights abuses occur on a massive scale: torture in the vast military camps and interrogation centers that sprawl across the Valley, rape, disappearances, extrajudicial killings, the use of civilians for forced labor and as human shields, destruction of crops and homes, arson, arming pro-Indian militias to terrorize the population

By attempting to hold the G20 Summit in Indian Illegally occupied Jammu Kashmir, India is not only trying to maneuver its soft power against Pakistan which is primary party to Kashmir dispute but to pretend hoax normalcy in the war-torn region.

OIC,& SAARC.

opener for the G20 Countries that India is playing diplomatic faux which will aggravate an already tense, sensitive and explosive environment.

The multiple UNSC Resolutions on this internationally recognised disputed territory remain relevant and applicable therefore, another critical ramification of the G20 will be seen as giving the credence to the Indian criminal aggression claiming Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan as an integral part of India.

Karachi: foodpanda, Pakistan’s leading food delivery platform, has announced a new partnership with Find My Doctor (FMD) to provide health services to its riders. Under this partnership, FMD will offer free online doctor consultations, discounts on lab testing rates, and medicine delivery services to foodpanda riders. pr

The muscular policy of the notorious National Security adviser of India Ajit Doval after the abrogation of Articles 370/35-A, which safeguards the land and citizenship rights of erstwhile Jammu & Kashmir state has exposed India and its genocidal crimes perpetrated in IIOJK. The fascist ruling government BJP which has blood of Kashmiris on its hands is adopting an indirect approach to not only pronounce its sovereignty over the internationally recognized disputed territory but by implication would also seek international acquiescence to all its war crimes and crimes against humanity to suppress the right of self-determination movement in IIOJK.

In February 2019 the UN genocide watch statement on Kashmir warning that the region is at thebrink of genocide and the recent US intelligence report during the US congressional hearing apprehending increased tension between India and Pakistan and India and China with the possibility of a conflict between them is an eye-

Last year Pakistan Ministry of Foreign affairs (MOFA) in its statement showed its concern about holding G20 summit in IIOJK and warning international community that India has been seeking to change the demographic structure of the occupied territory in flagrant violation of relevant UN Security Council resolutions, international law, and the 4th Geneva Convention.

But Pakistan must undertake pragmatic measures to prevent India from violating the UN resolutions on IIOJK. It must work to generate a swell against this Indian move with or without the G-20. A proactive policy needs to be installed that engages all stakeholders importantly China and Turkey and apprises them of the ramifications of such execution. On the other hand, the Kashmiri diaspora must approach the EU parliament and other country heads with the dossiers of the crime against humanity perpetrated by India in IIOJK. Pakistan must exercise its legal right as a ‘disputant party’ and seek the appropriate remedy before UNGA, UNSC,

The permanent representative of Pakistan in United Nation must unambiguously put across its position on IIOJK in the ongoing 52nd regular session of the Human rights council in the light of relevant UNSC Resolutions and ask the UN about the malicious design of India holding G20 in war-torn region and also highlight the sensitive strategic environment of IIOJK and the adverse consequences of a G-20 summit in the disputed territory. Most critically, Pakistan and China must coordinate their policies and adopt mutually supporting positions on the issue. China has already expressed its disapproval of such an exercise but has withheld its further response so far.

APHC and Kashmir Diaspora must write to all foreign ministers of G20 about the ongoing situation in IIOJK and appeal to them to speak against the statesponsored violence and terrorism in Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir. The stakeholders must urge G20 members to use their influence to promote a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Jammu and Kashmir, one that takes into account the wishes and aspirations of the people of the region.

The author is senior journalist from IIOJK and has been associated with liberation movement since decades. He is presently working as International media In Charge of Masrat Alam Bhat, Incarcerated Chairman of the APHC.

SINGAPORE'S EXPORT-ORIENTED ECONOMY IS A BLUEPRINT FOR DEVELOPING COUNTRIES SUCH AS PAKISTAN

MAPLe exPANDS iN MiDST of big yeAr for CeMeNT

g MLCF now has More than 15% sharehoLding in Pioneer CeMent

LAHORE pRofit RepoRt

MLCF emerges as one of the largest cement producers in the country. A major shakeup is underway in Pakistan’s cement industry after the Maple Leaf Cement Factory Limited (MLCF) acquired 9500000 voting shares of Pioneer Cement Limited (PIOC).

Maple Leaf already held shares in Pioneer Cement and the recent acquisition of shares has increased their shareholding to 34,261,001 voting shares, representing a 15.08% aggregate shareholding.

A boom in cement: The change in shares comes at a time when the country’s cement industry has seen growing profits despite the largely

abysmal macroeconomic conditions in the country. The sector reported 14% quarter-on-quarter (QoQ) profit growth in Oct-Dec 2022 on the back of higher sales as the first quarter (Jul-Sept) was badly hit by disastrous flooding. Earnings in the second quarter were higher by 42% year-on-year (YoY) despite increase in financing charges, he said. Consequently, first-half earnings for cement companies showed an increase of 21% YoY.

Lucky Cement, DG Khan Cement, Attock Cement, Fauji Cement, Maple Leaf Cement and Pioneer Cement registered a 23% rise in their topline in the second quarter of FY23, which took first-half sales to Rs 167.8 billion, up by 22.4%.

Maple Cement had also seen a profitable year, reporting a profit after tax (PAT) of Rs. 4.3 billion during the first half of the financial year (FY) 2022-23.

The company reported a 56 percent increase in its profit as compared to Rs. 2.75 billion in 1HFY22. During the quarter October-December FY23, profit clocked in at Rs. 2.93 billion, up 53 percent from Rs. 1.92 billion in 2QFY22.

Net sales of the company clocked at Rs. 30 billion in 1HFY23, up by 36 percent as compared to Rs. 22.1 billion in 1HFY22 supported by an over 50 percent hike in retention prices which offset the impact of an 8 percent decline in dispatches, according to Arif Habib Limited (AHL). mAple And pioneer: MLCF is a leading cement manufacturing company in Pakistan known for producing high-quality cement. Established in 1986, the company is the third-largest cement manufacturer in Pakistan. while PIOC is also a prominent player in the industry with a reputation

Dar directs for expediting implementation of austerity measures

ISLAMABAD Staff RepoRt

for an innovative approach to business.

Maple Leaf Cement owns and operates two gray cement production lines and one white cement production line. Its production plants are situated at Dadukhel District Mianwali. Its products are supplied to both local and international markets. Originally founded in 1952, the company was acquired by the Saigol group in 1992 under a privatisation scheme being offered by the government back then.

Over the years, Maple Leaf has established a strong reputation for producing high-quality cement and has consistently been at the forefront of innovation in the industry. The company has a diverse product portfolio, ranging from Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) to Sulphate Resistant Cement (SRC), and has a strong presence in both the domestic and international markets. In comparison, it was established back in 1986, and since then, it has been growing and contributing to the cement industry of Pakistan.

Mastermind of Karachi police chief office attack killed in operation: CTD

KARACHI Staff RepoRt

The Sindh Police’s Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) claimed on Monday to have killed the mastermind of the audacious attack on the Karachi Police Office (KPO) on Feb 17.

In a press release issued, CTD said that Aryadullah and his accomplice were killed in an operation near the Northern Bypass in the

Mangophir area.

The identification of the other slain terrorist is underway, it stated, adding that two other terrorists were also arrested during the operation. The CTD statement added that a search and clearance operation was being conducted in the area. According to official, CTD conducted an operation on a tip-off near Manghopir Mai Ghadi Mazar, in which the mastermind of the Karachi Police Office attack, Iriadullah, was

Abbasi says adherence to Constitution only solution to nation’s problems

KARACHI

Staff RepoRt

Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PMLN) leader Shahid Khaqan Abbasi has stressed that adherence to the Constitution is the only way to solve the country’s economic and political woes. Speaking at a seminar titled “Reimagining Pakistan” at Habib University, Abbasi highlighted that the country’s economy is intertwined with politics, and corruption is the most significant challenge faced by Pakistan. The former prime minister criticised the military and intelligence leadership for interfering in politics, saying that such actions lead to the destruction of competent politicians and prevent them from being elected to parliament. He also urged politicians to refrain from leveling baseless allegations against each other, as this would only further fuel hatred and hinder the country’s progress. The seminar was attended by several notable personalities, including Fawad Hasan Fawad, an aide to former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, former Pak-

gunned down.

The CTD official said the two terrorists including the mastermind, were killed during an exchange of fire, while two others were arrested. CTD said, Aryadullah, was a commander of the banned outfit while the second terrorist killed was identified as Abdul Waheed.

It is pertinent to mention that the outlawed banned outfit had claimed the responsibility for the Feb 17 attack on the KPO.

Around 15.8m Punjab households to get free wheat flour in Ramazan: PM

LAHORE

Staff RepoRt

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday said that around 15.8 million households of Punjab province would be distributed wheat flour free of charge during the Holy Ramazan.

The prime minister, who chaired a chaired a meeting to review the free distribution of flour under Ramazan Package, said it was for the first time in country’s history that a package for distribution of free wheat flour had been prepared.

He said the wheat flour would be distributed from 25th of Sha’ban to 25th of Ramazan through 8,500 Utility Stores. Moreover, another 20,000 flour distribution points would also

be set up to facilitate the people. The prime minister directed the authorities concerned to ensure transparency in the distribution of free

flour among the poor and instructed to use modern technology to curb theft during the process. Moreover, he said no compromise would be made on the quality of flour.

He said the people would be able to check their eligibility for the free wheat flour through an SMS.

The prime minister said the federal government would also assist the other provinces for such a program.

The representative of the Punjab government gave a detailed briefing to the prime minister on the free flour distribution program during the Holy Ramazan.

Caretake Punjab Chief Minister Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi, Advisor to PM Ahad Cheema and relevant senior officers attended the meeting..

Highlighting the current economic situation in the country, Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar here on Monday directed all the concerned quarters to expedite the implementation of austerity measures with sincerity and true spirit without any exception. The minister was chairing the second meeting of monitoring Committee to oversee the implementation of austerity measures, according to press statement issued by finance ministry. Among others, the meeting was attended by Federal Minister for Federal Education and Professional Training, Rana Tanveer Hussain; Federal Minister for Law & Justice, Azam Nazeer Tarar; Advisor the PM on Kashmir Affairs & Gilgit- Baltistan, Qamar Zaman Kaira; SAPM on Finance, Tariq Bajwa; SAPM on Revenue, Tariq Mehmood Pasha; federal secretaries and senior officers. Earlier, the meeting reviewed the implementation of the decisions of its first meeting on the implementation of austerity measures. The committee was informed that implementation on austerity measures has already been started by the respective Ministries/Divisions. It was updated on the status of use of luxury vehicles and was apprised that majority of the allocated vehicles have been returned back by the Cabinet members.

Sindh govt starts inquiry against five serving, former officers of SPSC for tampering results

HYDERABAD Staff RepoRt

The Sindh Government has started an inquiry against five serving and former officers of the Sindh Public Service Commission (SPSC) under allegations of tampering with the results of Combined Competitive Exams-2020. Sindh Chief Secretary Mohammad Sohail Rajput on Saturday formed a two-member inquiry committee consisting of Secretary Provincial Ombudsman Ali Hussain Malik and Chairman Provincial Election Authority Muhammad Nawaz Shaikh. They have been tasked to conduct a probe against the ex-controller examination BS-20 Hadi Bux Kalhoro and BS-20 Shoukat Ali Ujjan, Assistant Controller Noor Muhammad Dars, Superintendents Muhammad Yousuf and Farooq Noor Khan. Additionally, the advice of the Sindh Law Department has been sought about conducting an inquiry against the former Ambassador Noor Muhammad Jadmani, who retired as the Chairman SPSC on March 30, 2022. The Sindh government also issued separate charge sheets against those 5 officers: “… have committed the acts of inefficiency, misconduct and omission by using your official position to manoeuvre and manipulate the result of CCE-2020 to extend favours and benefits to selected candidates,” the charge sheets read.

Punjab elections: Top PML-N brass decides to field candidates in all constituencies

LAHORE Staff RepoRt

Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) has decided to field its candidate in all constituencies for general elections in Punjab. The decision was made when PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif made a telephonic contact with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and party Chief Organiser Maryam Nawaz, says in media reports. The contact between the top leadership of the party ruling in Centre comes as the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has issued a schedule for general elections in Punjab. It has announced that elections would be held on April 30 but clouds of uncertainty overhang the polls as the security officials, in a recent meeting, recommended the electoral body to delay the elections due to security concerns.

Maryam Nawaz stresses youth’s participation in decision making process

LAHORE

Staff RepoRt

Senior Vice President and Chief Organiser

Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Maryam Nawaz on Monday stressed the need for maximum participation of the youth in the decision-making process at national level, saying that the future of the country was linked with the young generation.

Addressing the party’s ‘Young Leaguers’ ceremony here, she regretted that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Chairman Imran Khan was misguiding the youth and using them for negative activities. However, she added, that the PML-N was making the youth constructive part of society and giving them special role in the country’s progress and development.

She said that a so-called leader, who could not own his daughter and who was unable to share the grief of deceased party worker Zille Shah, how he would protect the rights of the youth of the country. Zille Shah was a political worker and she (Maryam) had respect for every political worker, the PML-N leader added. It was painful that the body was abandoned at the hospital, she said adding that the PTI chief did not spare the body of his worker, who sacrificed his life for the party, and played politics over it and tried to get political mileage out of his death.

Maryam said that the political parties

should not raise hollow slogans like the PTI was doing, but take practical steps to bring the youth into the mainstream. She said that the youth should have a sizable representation in the parliament and all political parties should take steps in this connection. Political discussion was imperative in society and taking the youth on board was crucial, as they were major stakeholder of the development process in the country.

She said the performance of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), led by Muhammad Nawaz Sharif, was self-evident, as a number of initiatives were taken to make the youth self-dependent during the party rule, besides providing them with all facilities in the education sector.

Launching of the Punjab Education Endowment Fund was a historic step of Shehbaz Sharif in the Punjab province under which monthly stipends were given to the deserving bright students besides provision of local and international scholarships.

Launching of the laptop scheme was also a flagship initiative of the PML-N, which enabled the bright students to connect the world through internet. She said that the youth loans scheme was PML-N’s vision to provide financial assistance to the educated youth so that they could establish their own businesses besides extending existing setup to make the youth part of economic activity in the country.

During the previous PML-N tenure, starting in 2013, she said that huge foreign investment came in the country which boosted economic activities, whereas several development projects were launched under the leadership of Muhammad Nawaz Sharif.

Prices of the commodities remained under control during the PML-N government and people were happy with the government, she said adding that the PML-N also signed an IMF deal, but it not only completed it successfully but also kept the prices

of the commodities under control. On the other hand, she added that the deal, signed by the “corrupt and incompetent PTI government” was never implemented and it caused inflation in the country.

The PML-N left the government in 2018 with growth rate at 6 per cent, while during its four-year rule, the PTI rolled back the economic progress and brought the GDP to around 2 per cent.

She said that the PML-N was determined to bring the youth into the mainstream

so that they could become an active part of the country’s future. The youth should be engaged in technical trainings as it was an era of IT. The youth only needed guidance, otherwise they were capable enough to prove themselves in the world.

On the other hand, she said that the PTI, self claimant of the youth representing party was misusing the youth to achieve its political agendas. The PTI was the only party which was playing with the sentiments of the youth as the party had always exploited them through rosy slogans. Giving the youth a right direction and guidance was a responsibility of the leadership, she added.

Only a daring and committed leader like Muhammad Nawaz Sharif could steer the country out of challenges. He served the country in the best way whenever he was given an opportunity by the people of Pakistan.

The PTI government made the worst victimisation of the PML-N leadership and fabricated cases were registered against them. The entire party leadership faced the cases and appeared in courts; however, nothing was proved against any of the PML-N leader, she added.

She asked the youth to think wisely before becoming part of such a party which was staging activities just to create unrest and achieve personal goals, as they have no agenda for the youth.